The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved submitting the Vagrancy Control and Rehabilitation Bill to the provincial cabinet, targeting the elimination of organized begging networks and ensuring the protection of vulnerable children
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi emphasized that authorities will adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward anyone exploiting children for begging. He added that safeguarding children from such exploitation is both a constitutional and moral duty of the government.
During the briefing on the proposed legislation, officials outlined the penalties for offenders. First-time violators may receive warnings, be sent to rehabilitation centers, or face up to one month in jail along with fines. Repeat offenders could be sentenced to up to one year of imprisonment with fines reaching Rs50,000.
The bill also proposes imprisonment of one to two years for individuals involved in begging through fraud or deception. Organized or forced begging networks may face up to three years in prison and fines up to Rs400,000.
The Chief Minister described the bill as landmark legislation designed to dismantle professional begging networks and prevent exploitation. Its framework combines strict enforcement with rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and employment opportunities for affected individuals.
Officials noted that with this initiative, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aims to become the first province in Pakistan to introduce a comprehensive, sustainable approach to addressing organized begging, combining legal action with social and economic support for those impacted.
